Oh I get you. There are people that deserve the chance at diversion programs and some who get them that shouldn't due to other issues. The difference is usually the quality of the lawyer or the orneriness of the judge. Lots of kids/young adults do the stupid and would have benefitted from a good diversion program instead of being thrown in jail. The ones that can be helped are usually "scared straight" and go on to productive and useful lives. And I say that as someone that is "tough on crime." There's just no good rhyme or reason to the so-called justice system these days.